Vacuum insulated storage containers

ABSTRACT

Vacuum insulated storage containers storage containers are provided. In some embodiments, an insulating container is provided comprising: a receptacle that comprises an inner receptacle, an outer receptacle, and a first gasket configured to form a first seal between the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle, wherein one or more compartments are formed in the inner receptacle and wherein a first vacuum cavity is formed between an outer wall of the inner receptacle and an inner wall of the outer receptacle; a one-piece lid structure that comprises an inner lid portion, an outer lid portion, and a second gasket configured to form a second seal between the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion, wherein a second vacuum cavity is formed between an outer wall of the inner lid portion and an inner wall of the outer lid portion; a plurality of latches connected to an outer wall of the outer lid portion, wherein each of the plurality of latches is configured to connect the one-piece lid structure to the receptacle; and a cover that is formed to securably attach to the outer lid portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 63/088,391, filed Oct. 6, 2020, which is herebyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosed subject matter relates to vacuum insulated storagecontainers. More particularly, the disclosed subject matter relates to avacuum insulated storage container that includes a receptacle having oneor more compartments and a corresponding one-piece lid that, whensecurably attached, reduces and/or minimizes heat transfer through thewalls of the one or more compartments of the vacuum insulated storagecontainer and/or heat transfer through the exterior walls of thereceptacle to an environment outside of the vacuum insulated storagecontainer.

BACKGROUND

Insulated food storage containers are frequently used to transport fooditems in a cold or hot state for school and work lunches, for parties orpicnics, for home-bound persons, or other occasions. These insulatedfood storage containers typically have a cylindrical shape with a widemouth opening to readily accept food items that might not fit so easilyinto a narrow mouth container. Moreover, these insulated food storagecontainers have a corresponding cylindrical lid for closing the foodstorage container by threading the lid into the insulated food storagecontainer, where interior threads in the cylindrical lid selectivelyengage with exterior threads on the lip of the insulated food storagecontainer. In some instances, these insulated food storage containersalso include a stopper or intermediate cover that is threaded such thatit screws into an opening portion of the insulated storage container.

These insulated food storage containers, unfortunately, suffer from anumber of issues.

Accordingly, it is desirable to provide new vacuum insulated storagecontainers.

SUMMARY

In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter,vacuum insulated containers are provided.

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, aninsulating food storage container is provided comprising: a receptaclehaving an inner wall and an outer wall and having an opening, whereinthe inner wall is formed to have one or more compartments for storingfood items and wherein the inner wall and the outer wall of thereceptacle meet to form a lid engaging structure that engages with acooperating engaging structure in a one-piece lid structure; theone-piece lid structure having an outer lid portion and an inner lidportion that is removably securable to the opening of the receptacle,wherein an insulation layer is formed between the outer lid portion andthe inner lid portion, wherein the inner lid portion is affixed to theouter lid portion to create an inner channel, and wherein a sealing ringis positioned within the inner channel to create the cooperatingengaging structure that engages with the lid engaging structure of thereceptacle; and a plurality of latches, wherein each of the plurality oflatches includes (i) an end region that is affixed to an exteriorportion of the outer wall and (ii) an opposing end region that engageswith a recessed portion of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lidstructure.

In some embodiments, the opening of the receptacle is arectangular-shaped opening and the one-piece lid structure is arectangular shape. In some embodiments, the receptacle is arectangular-shaped receptacle.

In some embodiments, the opening of the receptacle is an oval-shapedopening and the one-piece lid structure is an oval shape.

In some embodiments, the opening of the receptacle is a roundedrectangular opening and the one-piece lid structure is roundedrectangular shape.

In some embodiments, the receptacle is composed of stainless steel.

In some embodiments, the receptacle is composed of a co-polyestermaterial.

In some embodiments, a vacuum is formed between the inner wall and theouter wall.

In some embodiments, an insulating material is formed between the innerwall and the outer wall. In some embodiments, the insulating material isan expanding polystyrene foam. In some embodiments, the insulatingmaterial is an ethylene vinyl acetate foam.

In some embodiments, the inner wall of the receptacle is formed toinclude a plurality of compartments for storing food items.

In some embodiments, the receptacle comprises a first stainless steelreceptacle and a second stainless steel receptacle, wherein the secondstainless steel receptacle is configured to be positioned within thefirst stainless steel receptacle and wherein the lid engaging structureis formed on the second stainless steel receptacle.

In some embodiments, the insulation layer is positioned within arecessed area of the inner lid portion.

In some embodiments, the insulation layer is formed to occupy theentirety of the recessed area of the inner lid portion.

In some embodiments, the inner lid portion has a smaller surface areathan the outer lid portion.

In some embodiments, the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion ofthe one-piece lid structure are affixed together using a wire framepositioned along a peripheral portion of the inner lid portion.

In some embodiments, the plurality of latches includes four latches andwherein each of the four latches is affixed to the exterior portion ofone outer wall of the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the cooperating engaging structure engaging withthe lid engaging structure of the receptacle and the plurality oflatches engaging with the recessed portion of the outer lid portion ofthe one-piece lid structure cause the insulating food storage containerto be closed.

In some embodiments, the opposing end region of each of the plurality oflatches includes a roller that engages with the recessed portion of theouter lid portion of the one-piece lid structure.

In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, aninsulating container is provided comprising: a receptacle that comprisesan inner receptacle, an outer receptacle, and a first gasket configuredto form a first seal between the inner receptacle and the outerreceptacle, wherein one or more compartments are formed in the innerreceptacle and wherein a first vacuum cavity is formed between an outerwall of the inner receptacle and an inner wall of the outer receptacle;a one-piece lid structure that comprises an inner lid portion, an outerlid portion, and a second gasket configured to form a second sealbetween the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion, wherein asecond vacuum cavity is formed between an outer wall of the inner lidportion and an inner wall of the outer lid portion; a plurality oflatches connected to an outer wall of the outer lid portion, whereineach of the plurality of latches is configured to connect the one-piecelid structure to the receptacle; and a cover that is formed to securablyattach to the outer lid portion.

In some embodiments, the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle ofthe receptacle are composed of a co-polyester material.

In some embodiments, the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion ofthe one-piece lid are composed of a co-polyester material.

In some embodiments, the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle ofthe receptacle are composed of stainless steel.

In some embodiments, the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion ofthe one-piece lid are composed of stainless steel.

In some embodiments, an opening of the receptacle is arectangular-shaped opening and the one-piece lid structure is arectangular shape.

In some embodiments, an opening of the receptacle is an oval-shapedopening and the one-piece lid structure is an oval shape.

In some embodiments, an opening of the receptacle is a roundedrectangular-shaped opening and the one-piece lid structure is a roundedrectangular shape.

In some embodiments, the inner receptacle includes a lip portion thatprovides a surface for receiving the one-piece lid structure.

In some embodiments, the one-piece lid structure includes a third gasketthat conforms with each of the one or more compartments, where the thirdgasket seals each of the one or more compartments when the one-piece lidstructure is securably attached to the receptacle.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches is formed on aside of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid structure.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches includes aprotrusion that, when a latch is in a closed position, protrudes beneathand contacts a lip portion of the inner receptacle of the receptacle. Insome embodiments, each of the plurality of latches includes an upperlatch portion positioned above the protrusion that is aligned with anexterior surface of the lip portion of the inner receptacle of thereceptacle. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latchesincludes a lower latch portion positioned below the protrusion that isaligned with an exterior surface of the outer receptacle of thereceptacle.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches includes aprotrusion that is connected using a pin to a latch post formed on anexterior surface of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lidstructure.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches and the latch postare composed of a co-polyester material and the pin is composed of astainless steel material.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches is a lever thatseparates the one-piece lid structure from the receptacle when a latchis moved from a closed position to an open position.

In some embodiments, the cover includes an interior surface and anexterior surface, where the interior surface of the cover includes aplurality of clips for holding one or more utensils.

In some embodiments, the cover is composed of a transparent materialsuch that the one or more utensils are visible to a user of theinsulating food storage container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various objects, features, and advantages of the disclosed subjectmatter can be more fully appreciated with reference to the followingdetailed description of the disclosed subject matter when considered inconnection with the following drawings, in which like reference numeralsidentify like elements.

FIG. 1 shows an illustrative example of a food storage container withthe one-piece lid removed in accordance with some embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 shows an illustrative example of the food storage container withthe one-piece lid attached in accordance with some embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the food storage container with theone-piece lid removed and with the latches removed in accordance withsome embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 shows a top plan view of the food storage container in accordancewith some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the food storage container alongline A-A of FIG. 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosedsubject matter.

FIG. 6 shows a side plan view of the food storage container inaccordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the food storage container alongline B-B of FIG. 4 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosedsubject matter.

FIG. 8 shows an illustrative example of an oval-shaped food storagecontainer with the one-piece lid attached in accordance with someembodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative example of the oval-shaped food storagecontainer with the one-piece lid removed in accordance with someembodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 10 shows a separated view and a joined view of a vacuum insulatedstorage container that includes a receptacle having one or morecompartments for storing items, a one-piece lid for placement on thereceptacle, and a cover that includes one or more clips for holdingutensils and that is configured to securably attach to the one-piece lidin accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show side plan views of the vacuum insulated storagecontainer of FIG. 10 in accordance with some embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter.

FIG. 13 shows a top plan view of the vacuum insulated storage containerof FIG. 10 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subjectmatter.

FIG. 14 shows a bottom plan view of the vacuum insulated storagecontainer of FIG. 10 in accordance with some embodiments of thedisclosed subject matter.

FIG. 15 shows an exploded view of the vacuum insulated storage containerof FIG. 10 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subjectmatter.

FIG. 16 shows a detailed view of a latch that connects the one-piece lidto the receptacle of the vacuum insulated storage container of FIG. 10in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 17 shows a separated view and a joined view of a vacuum insulatedstorage container that includes a receptacle having one or morecompartments for storing items, a one-piece lid for placement on thereceptacle, and a cover that includes one or more clips for holdingutensils and that is configured to securably attach to the one-piece lidin accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter,vacuum insulated storage containers are provided.

Generally speaking, a vacuum insulated storage container having areceptacle including one or more compartments and a correspondingone-piece lid that, when securably attached to the receptacle via one ormore latches or any other suitable securing mechanism, can reduce and/orminimize heat transfer through the walls of the one or more compartmentsof the vacuum insulated storage container and can reduce and/or minimizeheat transfer through the exterior walls of the receptacle to anenvironment outside of the vacuum insulated storage container.

In some embodiments, the vacuum insulated storage container can includea receptacle including one or more compartments for storing items. Thereceptacle can include an outer receptacle portion and an innerreceptacle portion, where a gasket can be configured to form a sealbetween a bottom lip on the inner receptacle portion and a top lip onthe outer receptacle portion and where a vacuum cavity can be formedbetween an outer wall of the inner receptacle portion and an inner wallof the outer receptacle portion. It should be noted that the innerreceptacle portion and the outer receptacle portion of the receptaclecan be formed from a co-polyester material, such as a Tritanco-polyester material. Tritan is a co-polyester material that ismanufactured using three monomers, di-methylterephthalate (DMT),1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD), and has specificadvantageous features such as being safe for storage and use, and whichis also resistant to degradation by various chemicals, such as, forexample, detergents and acidic drink chemicals. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the inner receptacle portion and the outer receptacleportion of the receptacle can be formed from stainless steel (e.g., anaustenitic stainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel). It shouldalso be noted that the gasket can be formed from a single material, or acombination of materials, including one or more silicone rubbers,neoprene rubbers, ethylene propylene (EPM) rubbers, or ethylenepropylene diene (EPDM) rubbers, or nitrile rubbers, among many others.

In some embodiments, the vacuum insulated storage container can includea one-piece lid that includes multiple latches for removably attachingthe one-piece lid to the receptacle. For example, the one-piece lid caninclude an inner lid portion and an outer lid portion, wherein a gasketcan be configured to form a seal between a bottom lip on the outer lidportion and a top lip on the inner lid portion and where a vacuum cavitycan be formed between an inner wall of the outer lid portion and anouter wall of the inner lid portion. It should be noted that the innerlid portion and the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid can be formedfrom a co-polyester material, such as a Tritan co-polyester material.Alternatively, in some embodiments, the inner lid portion and the outerlid portion of the one-piece lid can be formed from stainless steel(e.g., an austenitic stainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel).It should also be noted that the gasket can be formed from a singlematerial, or a combination of materials, including one or more siliconerubbers, neoprene rubbers, ethylene propylene (EPM) rubbers, or ethylenepropylene diene (EPDM) rubbers, or nitrile rubbers, among many others.

In embodiments in which the receptacle includes multiple compartmentsfor storing items in the vacuum insulated storage container, the innerlid portion can include a gasket that complements the configuration ofthe multiple compartments in the receptacle. Such a gasket can be usedto create an airtight seal of the items in each of the multiplecompartments.

In some embodiments, the latches can be attached or otherwise formed oneach side of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid. For example, alatch can be attached to the outer lid portion via a pin. In a closedposition, the latch can include a protrusion that protrudes into andconnects with the bottom lip of the inner receptacle portion. It shouldbe noted that an upper latch portion formed above the protrusion canalign with an outer surface of the lip of the inner receptacle portionand that a lower latch portion formed below the protrusion can alignwith an outer surface of the outer receptacle portion. In an openposition, an upper portion of the latch can act as a lever forseparating the one-piece lid from the receptacle of the vacuum insulatedstorage container.

In some embodiments, the top surface of the outer lid portion caninclude a lip that is configured to receive a cover. The cover can, forexample, include a clip formed on a bottom surface of the cover that isconfigured to hold one or more utensils. It should be noted that thecover (e.g., an interior portion of the cover) can be configured to holdany suitable item based on the type of storage container.

As such, the one or more compartments of the vacuum insulated storagecontainer can be used to storage any suitable item. For example, thevacuum insulated storage container can be used as a container that holdsitems that need to stay cool or hot. In a more particular example, thevacuum insulated storage container can be used as a container that holdsfood items that need to stay cold (e.g., ice cream). In another moreparticular example, the vacuum insulated storage container can be usedas a shipping container that holds seafood items that need to stay coldduring shipping. In yet another more particular example, the vacuuminsulated storage container can be used as a restaurant container thatholds produce or any ingredients that are temperature sensitive.Although the embodiments described herein generally refer to food itemsbeing storage in the one or more compartments of the vacuum insulatedstorage container, this is merely illustrative. The vacuum insulatedstorage container can be used for medicinal items (e.g., vials or otherpharmaceutical packaging that holds a vaccine or any other suitablemedication).

In accordance with some embodiments, a double-walled, food storagecontainer having one or more compartments and a corresponding one-piecelid that, when securably attached, retains heat within the one or morecompartments of the food storage container is also described herein. Forexample, the double-walled, food storage container having one or morecompartments can have a rectangular shaped receptacle.

It should be noted, however, that, although the embodiments describedherein generally show a rectangular-shaped, double-walled, food storagecontainer having one or more compartments and a corresponding one-piecelid, this is merely illustrative and the receptacle of the food storagecontainer can have any suitable shape. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8and 9, the receptacle of the food storage container can be anoval-shaped receptacle having an oval opening. In another example, thereceptacle of the food storage container can be a roundedrectangular-shaped receptacle having a rounded rectangular opening. Inyet another example, the receptacle of the food storage container can bea cylindrical receptacle having a circular opening and a correspondingcylindrical one-piece lid that connects to the cylindrical receptacle bythreads formed on an upper lip of the cylindrical receptacle.

It should also be noted that the food storage container can have varyingmaterials and varying double-walled structures. For example, therectangular-shaped, double-walled, food storage container can becomposed of stainless steel in which a vacuum is formed between thedouble walled structure. In another example, the rectangular-shaped,double-walled, food storage container can be composed of a co-polyestermaterial in which an insulation material (e.g., an expanded polystyrenefoam, ethylene vinyl acetate foam, etc.) is formed between the doublewalled structure.

Turning to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows an illustrative example of a foodstorage container 100 that includes a receptacle 110 and a one-piece lid120, where the one-piece lid 120 has been removed from the receptacle110.

As shown in FIG. 1, the food storage container 100 can be opened toreveal one or more compartments in which the one-piece lid 120 can beremoved from the food storage container 100. For example, multiplelatches can be disengaged from recessed portions on the outer lid of theone-piece lid 120 (such as recessed portions 210 shown in FIG. 2) andthe one-piece lid 120 can be separated from the food storage container100. This can, for example, allow the one-piece lid 120 to be washedseparately from the receptacle 110. This can also, for example, allowthe one-piece lid 120 to be removed from the food storage container 100so as not to provide a counterweight to the receptacle 110 and itscontents.

As shown in FIG. 2, the one-piece lid 120 can be attached to close thefood storage container 100. For example, a lid engaging structure formedon the receptacle 110 (e.g., at the intersection of the inner wall andthe outer wall of the receptacle 110) can be engaged with a cooperatingengaging structure formed on the one-piece lid 120 and the multiplelatches can be engaged with the recessed portions on the outer lid ofthe one-piece lid 120 (e.g., a roller of each latch engaging with arecessed portion 210 of the outer lid of the one-piece lid 120 shown inFIG. 2), thereby closing the food storage container 100. In a moreparticular example, the cooperating engaging structure on the one-piecelid 120 can include an inner channel that is formed between an outer lidportion and an inner lid portion and can include a sealing ring. Thismechanism can, for example, improve heat retention (e.g., allow fooditems within the one or more compartments of the receptacle 110 toremain within a particular temperature range). In a more particularexample, upon placing boiling water at about 100 degrees Celsius intothe one or more compartments of the receptacle 110, the food storagecontainer 100 can maintain the water temperature such that it does notdecrease below 50 degrees Celsius after a time period of about 6 hours.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the food storage container 100 inaccordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

In some embodiments, the receptacle 110 can include any suitablestructures. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the receptacle 110 caninclude an inner container structure 310 and an outer containerstructure 312. In continuing this example, the inner container structure310 is positioned within the outer container structure 312. In a moreparticular example, as also shown in FIG. 3, the inner containerstructure 310 (while generally cuboid in shape with a rectangularopening) can be tapered towards the base of the inner containerstructure 310 and can include an extended lip structure that, whenpositioned within the outer container structure 312, complements theshelf structure towards the top of the outer container structure 312. Insome embodiments, the inner container structure 310 can be connected tothe outer container structure 312 by welding or otherwise affixing thestructures at the intersection of the extended lip structure of theinner container structure 310 and the shelf structure of the outercontainer structure 312.

Upon the inner container structure 310 extending into the interior ofthe outer container structure 312, an insulating space can be formedbetween an inner outer wall of the inner container structure 310 and anouter inner wall of the outer container structure 312. A more particularexample is shown in the cross-sectional views of the food storagecontainer shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, where FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional viewof the food storage container 100 along line A-A of FIG. 4 and whereinFIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the food storage container 100 alongline B-B of FIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, an insulating space 510can be formed between an outer wall of the inner container structure 310and an inner wall of the outer container structure 312.

In some embodiments, a vacuum can be formed in the insulating spacebetween the outer wall of the inner container structure 310 and theinner wall of the outer container structure 312. Alternatively, in someembodiments, an insulation material, such as expanded polystyrene foam,ethylene vinyl acetate foam, or any other suitable lightweight plasticmaterials that has heat insulating properties. In some embodiments, thevolume of the insulating space between the outer wall of the innercontainer structure 310 and the inner wall of the outer containerstructure 312 can be defined by the formation of the inner containerstructure 310 and the outer container structure 312.

In some embodiments, the inner wall of the inner container structure 310is formed to include one or more compartments. For example, food itemscan be stored in these compartments. Alternatively, in some embodiments,the inner container structure 310 and the outer container structure 312can be formed to include one or more compartments.

It should also be noted that, although the embodiments described hereingenerally show a single compartment in the receptacle 110, this ismerely illustrative. In some embodiments, the receptacle 110 can includeany suitable number of compartments (e.g., two compartments, threecompartments, four compartments, etc.). In some embodiments, thereceptacle 110 can include multiple compartments in which some of thecompartments have different dimensions—e.g., one compartment thatoccupies half of the volume of the receptacle 110 and two compartmentsthat together occupy the remaining half of the volume of the receptacle110.

In some embodiments, the inner container structure 310 can include a lidengaging structure that engages with a cooperating engaging structureformed on the one-piece lid 120. For example, in connection with alsoengaging the multiple latches affixed to the outer container structure312 with recessed portions 210 of the outer lid of the one-piece lid 120(as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 6), the lid engaging structure of the innercontainer structure 310 can engage with the cooperating engagingstructure formed on the one-piece lid 120 to seal the food storagecontainer 100. That can, for example, prevent leaks of the food itemscontained in the one or more compartments in the receptacle 110.

It should be noted that the lid engaging structure can be formed at theintersection of the inner wall of the inner container structure 310 andthe outer wall of the outer container structure 312. For example,although the embodiments described in FIG. 3 show that the lid engagingstructure is formed on the inner container structure 310, this is merelyillustrative. In some embodiments, the lid engaging structure can beformed on the outer container structure 320. In some embodiments, thelid engaging structure can be formed upon attaching the inner containerstructure 310 with the outer container structure 312.

It should also be noted that, although the receptacle 110, the innercontainer structure 310, and the outer container structure 312 can becomposed of any suitable material, the receptacle 110, the firstcontainer structure 310, and the second container structure 312 can bepreferably formed of stainless steel (e.g., an austenitic stainlesssteel, such as SUS304 stainless steel).

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the receptacle 110, the firstcontainer structure 310, and the outer container structure 312 can becomposed of a co-polyester material. It should be noted that theco-polyester material can be Tritan by Eastman. Tritan is a clearco-polyester material that has specific advantageous features such asbeing safe for storage and use, and which is also resistant todegradation by various chemicals, such as, for example, detergents andacidic drink chemicals.

Referring back to FIG. 3, the one-piece lid 120 of the food storagecontainer 100 is also shown in an exploded view.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the one-piece lid 120 caninclude an outer lid portion 320. The outer lid portion 320 can includea top surface and a bottom surface, where the top surface can include arecessed portion, such as the recessed portions 210 shown in FIG. 2. Forexample, the roller elements of each latch that is connected to thereceptacle 110 can engage with the recessed portions 210 to close thefood storage container 100. In a more particular example, the outer lidportion 320 can be a rectangular-based open cuboid in which the openface of the cuboid is facing downward. In continuing this example, inaddition to the recessed portions on the top surface of the outer lidportion 320, the outer lid portion 320 can include a relatively flatsurface with raised portions along the periphery of the outer lidportion 320, where the raised portions can form a recessed area on thebottom surface of the outer lid portion 320.

It should be noted that, although the outer lid portion 320 can becomposed of any suitable materials, the outer lid portion 320 canpreferably be formed of a plastic material, such as polypropylene.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, the one-piece lid 120 caninclude an inner lid portion 322. It should be noted that the inner lidportion 322 can be a rectangular-based open cuboid. For example, asshown in FIG. 3, the inner lid portion 322 can include a relatively flatbottom surface with raised portions along the periphery of the inner lidportion 322. In continuing this example, the raised portions along theperiphery of the inner lid portion 322 can form a recessed area in theinner lid portion 322.

In some embodiments, the outer lid portion 320 and the inner lid portion322 can have different dimensions such that the outer lid portion 320 islarger in each dimension than the lower lid portion 322. For example,the surface area of the inner lid portion 322 can be less than thesurface area of the outer lid portion 320.

A more particular example is shown in the cross-sectional views of thefood storage container shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, where FIG. 5 is across-sectional view of the food storage container 100 along line A-A ofFIG. 4 and wherein FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the food storagecontainer 100 along line B-B of FIG. 4. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, theouter lid portion 320 can be a rectangular-based open cuboid havingparticular dimensions in which the open face of the cuboid is facingdownward and the inner lid portion 322 can also be a rectangular-basedopen cuboid having particular dimensions in which the open face of thecuboid is facing upward. As such, when the inner lid portion 322 isconnected to the outer lid portion 320 to form the one-piece lid 120, aninner channel 500 (as shown in FIG. 5) can be created on the bottomsurface of the outer lid portion 320.

It should be noted that, although the inner lid portion 322 can becomposed of any suitable materials, the inner lid portion 322 canpreferably be formed of a plastic material, such as polypropylene.

In some embodiments, the recessed area in the inner lid portion 322 canbe filled with a heat insulating material. For example, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, an insulation layer 326 can be positioned in the recessedarea of inner lid portion 322. In a more particular example, theinsulation layer 326 can preferably be composed of a plastic material,such as expanded polystyrene or any other suitable lightweight plasticmaterial that has heat insulating properties. The use of expandedpolystyrene or any other suitable heat insulating material in therecessed area of the inner lid portion can, for example, improve heatretention (e.g., allow food items within the one or more compartments ofthe receptacle 110 to remain within a particular temperature range).Alternatively, the recessed area in the inner lid portion 322 can befilled with air, a neutral gas, a partial vacuum, an insulatingmaterial, and/or any other suitable sub stance.

In some embodiments, the inner lid portion 322 can be bonded, welded, orotherwise connected to the outer lid portion 320 in any suitable manner.For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a wire frame 324 can be used to weldthe inner lid portion 322 (in which the insulating layer has beenpositioned within the recessed area of inner lid portion 322) to theouter lid portion 320. In a more particular example, the wire frame 324can be preferably composed of stainless steel (e.g., an austeniticstainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel) such that the stainlesssteel wire frame is welded to the polypropylene inner lid portion 322and the polypropylene outer lid portion 320.

In some embodiments, a sealing ring or any other suitable gasket 328 canbe placed within the inner channel that is formed when the inner lidportion 322 is affixed to the outer lid portion 320. For example, asealing ring or other suitable gasket 328 can be placed within the innerchannel shown in FIGS. 5 and 7. It should be noted that gasket 328 canbe made of an elastically flexible material, such as silicone, thatseals against the inner channel 500. For example, when the one-piece lid120 is in a closed position, the gasket 328 within the one-piece lid 120can engage with the lid engaging structure formed on the inner containerstructure 310 to seal the one-piece lid 120 and the one or morecompartments within the receptacle 110 together, thereby preventingleakage of food or beverages from the receptacle 110, preventing airflow, and/or covering a ventilation path. This can, for example, improveheat retention (e.g., allow food items within the one or morecompartments of the receptacle 110 to remain within a particulartemperature range), while preventing leaks from the one or morecompartments of the receptacle 110.

In some embodiments, the gasket 328 can be affixed to the inner channelthat is formed when the inner lid portion 322 is affixed to the outerlid portion 320. Alternatively, the gasket 328 can be a silicone sealingring that is removable from the inner channel. This can, for example,allow the silicone sealing ring to be washed separately from thereceptacle 110 and the one-piece lid 120.

In some embodiments, multiple latches 340 and 350 can be provided tofurther seal the one-piece lid 120 and the one or more compartmentswithin the receptacle 110 together. For example, as shown in FIG. 2,each latch can include a portion that is affixed to the receptacle 110and an opposing portion that is configured to engage with the one-piecelid 120. In a more particular example, as also shown in FIG. 2, theopposing portion of the latch can be configured to engage with therecessed portion 210 of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid 120.

In some embodiments, a latch can include any suitable components. Forexample, each latch can include a panel that can securably attach thelatch to the receptacle 110. In a more particular example, as shown inFIG. 3, each latch 340 and 350 can include a panel 342 and 352,respectively, that can be used to securably attach the correspondinglatch to an exterior portion of the outer wall of the outer containerstructure 312. As also shown in FIG. 3, the exterior portion of theouter wall of the outer container structure 312 can include recessedportions to accommodate the panels 342 and 352. Note that each of thefour walls of the rectangular-shaped open cuboid can include such arecessed portion.

In continuing this example, each latch can include a bracket thatextends from the panel that securably attaches one end of the latch tothe receptacle 110, where the opposing end of the latch can include aroller. The roller can, for example, cause the latch to engage with therecessed portion of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid 120. Forexample, when the one-piece lid 120 is in a closed position, the gasket328 within the one-piece lid 120 can engage with the lid engagingstructure formed on the inner container structure 310 and each of thelatches (e.g., latches 340 and 350) can engage with the recessedportions of the one-piece lid 120 to seal the one-piece lid 120 and theone or more compartments within the receptacle 110 together, therebypreventing leakage of food or beverages from the receptacle 110,preventing air flow, and/or covering a ventilation path.

It should be noted that the latch, the panel for affixing the latch tothe receptacle 110, and the bracket that extends from the panel can bepreferably composed of stainless steel (e.g., an austenitic stainlesssteel, such as SUS304 stainless steel). It should also be noted that theroller can be preferably composed of silicone.

It should also be noted that, although the embodiments described hereingenerally show four latches that correspond to each side of therectangular opening, this is merely illustrative. In some embodiments,two latches on opposing sides of the rectangular opening can beprovided.

Alternatively to a roller configured at the opposing end of each latch,the food storage container 100 can have any suitable mechanism forattaching the one-piece lid 120 to the receptacle 110. For example, alatching system can be affixed to sides of the receptacle 110, where anopposing end of the latching system (that is, an end of a latch that isnot affixed to the sides of the receptacle 110) can engage with therecessed portion of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid 120. Incontinuing this example, when the one-piece lid 120 is in a closedposition, the gasket 328 within the one-piece lid 120 can engage withthe lid engaging structure formed on the inner container structure 310and each of the latches can engage with the recessed portions of theone-piece lid 120 to seal the one-piece lid 120 and the one or morecompartments within the receptacle 110 together, thereby preventingleakage of food or beverages from the receptacle 110, preventing airflow, and/or covering a ventilation path. In another suitable example, alatching system can be affixed to portions of the one-piece lid 120,where an opposing end of the latching system (that is, an end of a latchthat is not affixed to the portions of the one-piece lid 120) can engagewith the recessed portions on the sides of the receptacle 110.

As mentioned above, although the embodiments described herein generallyshow a rectangular-shaped, double-walled, food storage container havingone or more compartments and a corresponding one-piece lid, this ismerely illustrative and the receptacle of the food storage container andthe corresponding one-piece lid can have any suitable shape.

Turning to FIG. 8, FIG. 8 shows an illustrative example of a foodstorage container 100 that includes an oval-shaped receptacle 810 and acorresponding oval-shaped, one-piece lid 820, where the oval-shaped,one-piece lid 820 has been attached to the oval-shaped receptacle 810using multiple latches 830.

As shown in FIG. 8, the one-piece lid 820 can be attached to close thefood storage container 800. For example, a lid engaging structure formedon the receptacle 810 (e.g., at the intersection of the inner wall andthe outer wall of the receptacle 810) can be engaged with a cooperatingengaging structure formed on the one-piece lid 820 and the multiplelatches can be engaged with the recessed portions on the outer lid ofthe one-piece lid 820 (e.g., a roller of each latch engaging with arecessed portion of the outer lid of the one-piece lid 820 shown in FIG.8), thereby closing the food storage container 800. In a more particularexample, the cooperating engaging structure on the one-piece lid 820 caninclude an inner channel that is formed between an outer lid portion andan inner lid portion and can include a sealing ring. This mechanism can,for example, improve heat retention (e.g., allow food items within theone or more compartments of the receptacle 810 to remain within aparticular temperature range).

As shown in FIG. 9, the food storage container 800 can be opened toreveal one or more compartments in which the one-piece lid 820 can beremoved from the food storage container 800. For example, multiplelatches can be disengaged from recessed portions on the outer lid of theone-piece lid 820 and the one-piece lid 820 can be separated from thefood storage container 800. This can, for example, allow the one-piecelid 820 to be washed separately from the receptacle 810. This can also,for example, allow the one-piece lid 820 to be removed from the foodstorage container 800 so as not to provide a counterweight to thereceptacle 810 and its contents.

In accordance with various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter,a vacuum insulated storage container can be provided.

Turning to FIG. 10, a vacuum insulated storage container 1000 caninclude a receptacle 1010, a corresponding one-piece lid 1020 that isconfigured to be securably attached to receptacle 1010, and/or a cover1030 that is configured to be securably attached to one-piece lid 1020.Vacuum insulated storage container 1000 having a receptacle 1010including one or more compartments 1012 and a corresponding one-piecelid 1020 that, when securably attached to receptacle 1010 via one ormore latches 1024, can reduce and/or minimize heat transfer through thewalls of the one or more compartments 1012 of the vacuum insulatedstorage container 1000 and can reduce and/or minimize heat transferthrough the exterior walls of receptacle 1010 to an environment outsideof vacuum insulated storage container 1000. Vacuum insulated storagecontainer 1000 is shown in FIG. 10 as being closed in which cover 1030is securably attached to one-piece lid 1020 and one-piece lid 1020 issecurably attached to receptacle 1010. It should be noted that, in someembodiments, cover 1030 is not provided and vacuum insulated storagecontainer 1000 can include receptacle 1010 and corresponding one-piecelid 1020.

In some embodiments, receptacle 1010 can include any suitable number ofcompartments 1012 (e.g., two compartments, three compartments, fourcompartments, etc.) of any suitable size. For example, as shown in FIG.10, receptacle 1010 can include three components 1012—e.g., one largercompartment having dimensions A in length and B in width and two smallercompartments having dimensions C in length and D in width, where eachcompartment can have a depth of E. It should be noted that, in someembodiments, receptacle 1010 can include a single compartment. It shouldalso be noted that, in some embodiments, receptacle 1010 can includecompartments having the same dimensions—e.g., four compartments of thesame length, width, and depth. In should further be noted that, althoughFIG. 10 shows each of the receptacle having the same depth, thecompartments can have varying depths within the receptacle.

In some embodiments, receptacle 1010 can include a lip portion 1014 thatprovides a surface for receiving one-piece lid 1020. In someembodiments, one-piece lid 1020 can include a gasket 1022 that sealsone-piece lid 1020 with lip portion 1014 of receptacle 1010. As alsoshown in FIG. 10, gasket 1022 can also complement the configuration ofthe multiple compartments 1012 in receptacle 1010. Accordingly, gasket1022 can be used to create an airtight seal of the items placed in eachof the multiple compartments 1012. For example, gasket 1022 can inhibitheat from an item placed in one of the compartments 1012 in receptacle1010 from being transferred to another item placed in a differentcompartment 1012 of receptacle 1010. In another example, gasket 1022 caninhibit the item itself (e.g., a liquid) that was placed in one of thecompartments 1012 in receptacle 1010 from mixing with another itemplaced in a different compartment 1012 of receptacle 1010.

In some embodiments, one-piece lid 1020 can include multiple latches1024 for securably attaching one-piece lid 1020 to receptacle 1010. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 10, a latch 1024 can be formed on each side ofone-piece lid 1020, where latch 1024 can be connected to one-piece lid1020 via a pin. In another example, as also shown in FIG. 10, latch 1024can include multiple protrusions—e.g., one protrusion that, in a closedposition, protrudes beneath and contacts lip portion 1014 and anotherprotrusion that, when moving from a closed position to an open position,acts as a lever for separating one-piece lid 1020. FIGS. 11 and 12 showside views of vacuum insulated storage container 1000. As shown in FIGS.11 and 12, latch 1024 can be positioned in a center position of eachside of one-piece lid 1020. This is also shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, whichshow a top view of vacuum insulated storage container 1000 and a bottomview of vacuum insulated storage container 1000, respectively.

In some embodiments, referring back to FIG. 10, while one side ofone-piece lid 1020 can include gasket 1022 and latches 1024 forsecurably attaching one-piece lid 1020 to receptacle 1010, an opposingside of one-piece lid 1020 can include a lip portion, stepped portion,or any other suitable portion for receiving cover 1030. As shown in FIG.10, the inner surface of cover 1030 can include clips 1032 for holdingutensils 1034. It should be noted, however, that the inner surface ofcover 1030 can include any suitable clips for holding any suitable itemcorresponding to the type of item being stored in the compartments 1012of vacuum insulated storage container 1000. For example, if compartments1012 are intended to store medicinal items (e.g., vials or otherpharmaceutical packaging that holds a vaccine or any other suitablemedication), clips 1032 can be configured to hold items foradministrating the medicinal items.

A more detailed illustration of vacuum insulated storage container 1000is shown in FIG. 15.

As shown in FIG. 15, the receptacle of the vacuum insulated storagecontainer can include an outer receptacle portion 1510 and an innerreceptacle portion 1520. The outer surface of outer receptacle portion1510 can form an exterior of vacuum insulated storage container. Theinner surface of inner receptacle portion 1520 can be formed to includeone or more compartments for holding items (e.g., food items, medicinalitems, etc.).

It should be noted that outer receptacle portion 1510 and innerreceptacle portion 1520 of the receptacle can be formed from aco-polyester material, such as a Tritan co-polyester material. Tritan isa co-polyester material that is manufactured using three monomers,di-methylterephthalate (DMT), 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM), and2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol (TMCD), and has specificadvantageous features such as being safe for storage and use, and whichis also resistant to degradation by various chemicals, such as, forexample, detergents and acidic drink chemicals. Alternatively, in someembodiments, inner receptacle portion 1520 and outer receptacle portion1510 of the receptacle can be formed from stainless steel (e.g., anaustenitic stainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel).

In some embodiments, the receptacle can include a gasket 1530 that ispositioned between a lower surface of lip portion 1525 and an upper edgesurface of outer receptacle portion 1510 to form the receptacle. Uponforming the receptacle with outer receptacle portion 1510, innerreceptacle portion 1520, and gasket 1530, a vacuum cavity can be formedbetween an outer wall of inner receptacle portion 1520 and an inner wallof outer receptacle portion 1510.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, an insulation material, such asexpanded polystyrene foam, ethylene vinyl acetate foam, or any othersuitable lightweight plastic materials that has heat insulatingproperties, can be formed within the cavity formed between an outer wallof inner receptacle portion 1520 and an inner wall of outer receptacleportion 1510. In some embodiments, the volume of the insulating spacebetween an outer wall of inner receptacle portion 1520 and an inner wallof outer receptacle portion 1510 can be defined by the formation of theinner receptacle portion 1520 and the outer receptacle portion 1510.

It should be noted that gasket 1530 can be formed from a singlematerial, or a combination of materials, including one or more siliconerubbers, neoprene rubbers, ethylene propylene (EPM) rubbers, or ethylenepropylene diene (EPDM) rubbers, or nitrile rubbers, among many others.

In some embodiments, the one-piece lid that can be removably attached tothe receptacle can include inner lid portion 1540 and outer lid portion1550. The outer surface of inner lid portion 1540 can be configured tocover the compartments formed in inner receptacle portion 1520 of thereceptacle. The outer surface of outer lid portion 1550 can include anedge structure 1552 for receiving cover 1590. As shown in FIG. 15, cover1590 can be configured to hold one or more utensils. It should be notedthat the cover (e.g., an interior portion of the cover) can beconfigured to hold any suitable item based on the type of storagecontainer.

It should be noted that inner lid portion 1540 and outer lid portion1550 of the one-piece lid can be formed from a co-polyester material,such as a Tritan co-polyester material. Alternatively, in someembodiments, inner lid portion 1540 and outer lid portion 1550 of theone-piece lid can be formed from stainless steel (e.g., an austeniticstainless steel, such as SUS304 stainless steel).

In some embodiments, the one-piece lid can include a gasket 1560 that ispositioned between a lower edge surface of outer lid portion 1550 and alip portion 1542 of inner lid portion 1540 to form the one-piece lid.Upon forming the one-piece lid with inner lid portion 1540, outer lidportion 1550, and gasket 1560, a vacuum cavity can be formed between aninner wall of outer lid portion 1550 and an outer wall of inner lidportion 1540.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, an insulation material, such asexpanded polystyrene foam, ethylene vinyl acetate foam, or any othersuitable lightweight plastic materials that has heat insulatingproperties, can be formed within the cavity formed between an inner wallof outer lid portion 1550 and an outer wall of inner lid portion 1540.In some embodiments, the volume of the insulating space between an innerwall of outer lid portion 1550 and an outer wall of inner lid portion1540 can be defined by the formation of the inner lid portion 1540 andthe outer lid portion 1550.

It should be noted that gasket 1570 can be formed from a singlematerial, or a combination of materials, including one or more siliconerubbers, neoprene rubbers, ethylene propylene (EPM) rubbers, or ethylenepropylene diene (EPDM) rubbers, or nitrile rubbers, among many others.

In some embodiments, inner lid portion 1540 can include a gasket 1570that complements the configuration of the multiple compartments formedin inner receptacle portion 1520 of the receptacle. When one-piece lidis positioned over the receptacle, gasket 1570 can be used to create anairtight seal of the items in each of the multiple compartments. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 15, gasket 1570 can be configured toindividually seal each compartment in the receptacle. In a moreparticular example, as shown in FIG. 15, gasket 1570 can form a borderaround each compartment in the receptacle.

In some embodiments, the one-piece lid can include latches 1580 tosecurably attach the one-piece lid to the receptacle. As shown, theouter surface of outer lid portion 1550 can include latch post 1582 forconnecting a latch 1580 via pin 1584. As also shown in FIG. 15, latches1580 can be attached or otherwise formed on each side of outer lidportion 1550 of the one-piece lid.

A more detailed view of an illustrative latch is shown in FIG. 16. Asshown in FIG. 16, the latch can be connected to the one-piece lid usinga latch post 1610 that is formed on the outer surface of the one-piecelid.

In a closed latch position in which the latch connects the one-piece lidto the receptacle, the latch can include a protrusion 1620 thatprotrudes into and connects with the bottom lip 1630 of the innerreceptacle portion of the receptacle. In some embodiments, in a closedlatch position in which the latch connects the one-piece lid to thereceptacle, the latch can be shaped to include an upper latch portion1640 that aligns with an outer surface of bottom lip 1630 and a lowerlatch portion 1650 that aligns with an outer surface of outer receptacleportion 1660.

In moving the latch from the closed latch position to an open latchposition, the latch can include a protrusion 1670 that acts as a leverfor separating the one-piece lid from the receptacle of the vacuuminsulated storage container.

It should be noted that the latch can be formed from a co-polyestermaterial, such as a Tritan co-polyester material. It should also benoted that, in some embodiments, the pin can be composed of a stainlesssteel material.

It should also be noted that, although the embodiments described hereingenerally show four latches that correspond to each side of theone-piece lid, this is merely illustrative. In some embodiments, twolatches on opposing sides of the one-piece lid can be provided.

FIG. 17 shows an illustrative example of a joined and separated vacuuminsulated storage container that includes a receptacle having one ormore compartments and having a vacuum cavity formed within the walls ofthe receptacle, a one-piece lid having multiple latches and having avacuum cavity formed within the walls of the one-piece lid, and a coverhaving clips for holding utensils. As shown in FIG. 17, the cover can bemade of a transparent material such that the utensils are visible to auser of vacuum insulated storage container 1000.

It should be, although FIGS. 15, 16, and 17 show cover 1590 that isconfigured to hold additional items, such as utensils, there is merelyillustrative and cover 1590 may not be included in the vacuum insulatedstorage container.

Alternatively, in embodiments where the receptacle including outerreceptacle portion 1510 and inner receptacle portion 1520 arecylindrical in shape and are formed from a co-polyester material, acorresponding one-piece lid that is also cylindrical in shape and thatis also formed from a co-polyester material can be provided. In suchembodiments, lip portion 1525 and/or an upper edge surface of outerreceptacle portion 1510 can be formed to include one or more exteriorthreads for accepting a cylindrical one-piece lid that includescomplimentary interior threads that selectively engage with the exteriorthreads on lip portion 1525 and/or the upper edge surface of outerreceptacle portion 1510.

In continuing this example, in some embodiments, the vacuum insulatedcontainer can include an intermediate cover that is threaded such thatit screws into an opening portion of the receptacle.

This vacuum insulated storage container having a receptacle includingone or more compartments and a corresponding one-piece lid that, whensecurably attached to the receptacle via one or more latches, can reduceand/or minimize heat transfer through the walls of the one or morecompartments of the vacuum insulated storage container and can reduceand/or minimize heat transfer through the exterior walls of thereceptacle to an environment outside of the vacuum insulated storagecontainer. For example, the vacuum insulated storage container canimprove heat retention (e.g., to allow food items within the one or morecompartments of the receptacle to remain within a particular temperaturerange). In a more particular example, upon placing boiling water atabout 100 degrees Celsius into the one or more compartments of thereceptacle, the vacuum insulated storage container can maintain thewater temperature such that it does not decrease below 50 degreesCelsius after a time period of about 6 hours. In another more particularexample, the vacuum insulated storage container can be used as ashipping container that holds seafood items that need to stay coldduring shipping. In yet another more particular example, the vacuuminsulated storage container can be used as a restaurant container thatholds produce or any ingredients that are temperature sensitive.Although the embodiments described herein generally refer to food itemsbeing storage in the one or more compartments of the vacuum insulatedstorage container, this is merely illustrative. The vacuum insulatedstorage container can be used for medicinal items (e.g., vials or otherpharmaceutical packaging that holds a vaccine or any other suitablemedication).

Accordingly, vacuum insulated storage containers are provided.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated in theforegoing illustrative embodiments, it is understood that the presentdisclosure has been made only by way of example, and that numerouschanges in the details of implementation of the invention can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Featuresof the disclosed embodiments can be combined and rearranged in variousways.

What is claimed is:
 1. An insulating food storage container comprising: a receptacle that comprises an inner receptacle, an outer receptacle, and a first gasket configured to form a first seal between the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle, wherein one or more compartments are formed in the inner receptacle and wherein a first vacuum cavity is formed between an outer wall of the inner receptacle and an inner wall of the outer receptacle; a one-piece lid structure that comprises an inner lid portion, an outer lid portion, and a second gasket configured to form a second seal between the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion, wherein a second vacuum cavity is formed between an outer wall of the inner lid portion and an inner wall of the outer lid portion; a plurality of latches connected to an outer wall of the outer lid portion, wherein each of the plurality of latches is configured to connect the one-piece lid structure to the receptacle; and a cover that is formed to securably attach to the outer lid portion.
 2. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle of the receptacle are composed of a co-polyester material.
 3. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid are composed of a co-polyester material.
 4. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein the inner receptacle and the outer receptacle of the receptacle are composed of stainless steel.
 5. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein the inner lid portion and the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid are composed of stainless steel.
 6. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein an opening of the receptacle is a rectangular-shaped opening and wherein the one-piece lid structure is a rectangular shape.
 7. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein an opening of the receptacle is an oval-shaped opening and wherein the one-piece lid structure is an oval shape.
 8. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein an opening of the receptacle is a rounded rectangular-shaped opening and wherein the one-piece lid structure is a rounded rectangular shape.
 9. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein the inner receptacle includes a lip portion that provides a surface for receiving the one-piece lid structure.
 10. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein the one-piece lid structure includes a third gasket that conforms with each of the one or more compartments, where the third gasket seals each of the one or more compartments when the one-piece lid structure is securably attached to the receptacle.
 11. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of latches is formed on a side of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid structure.
 12. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of latches includes a protrusion that, when a latch is in a closed position, protrudes beneath and contacts a lip portion of the inner receptacle of the receptacle.
 13. The insulating food storage container of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of latches includes an upper latch portion positioned above the protrusion that is aligned with an exterior surface of the lip portion of the inner receptacle of the receptacle.
 14. The insulating food storage container of claim 12, wherein each of the plurality of latches includes a lower latch portion positioned below the protrusion that is aligned with an exterior surface of the outer receptacle of the receptacle.
 15. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of latches includes a protrusion that is connected using a pin to a latch post formed on an exterior surface of the outer lid portion of the one-piece lid structure.
 16. The insulating food storage container of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of latches and the latch post are composed of a co-polyester material and wherein the pin is composed of a stainless steel material.
 17. The insulating food storage container of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of latches is a lever that separates the one-piece lid structure from the receptacle when a latch is moved from a closed position to an open position.
 18. The insulating food storage container of claim 1, wherein the cover includes an interior surface and an exterior surface and wherein the interior surface of the cover includes a plurality of clips for holding one or more utensils.
 19. The insulating food storage container of claim 18, wherein the cover is composed of a transparent material such that the one or more utensils are visible to a user of the insulating food storage container. 